Dear Friend,

What a journey this year has been. 

In 2025, our work began with the launch of our science-backed Everglades restoration campaign, Rescue the River of Grass. In January, this work took me on a two-day trip through the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), into Everglades National Park, then down to the Florida Keys as I documented areas important to the movement. These were quiet days in nature as I captured the ecosystem bursting with life — and the voices of allies who boldly endorsed this effort that calls on the state to use voter-approved funds to acquire roughly 100,000 acres of land in the EAA.

Transforming this land from sugarcane fields into stormwater treatment areas would provide critical capacity to store and clean water necessary for the Everglades to thrive. Our partners range from a retired U.S. Army Corps of Engineers colonel, Terrence “Rock” Salt, to the Indian Riverkeeper Jim Moir, to the owner of a Golden Retriever once sickened from ingesting toxic blue-green algae, Ashley Guzi. Floridians of all stripes are backing this effort. You can watch their stories here.

Spring gifted me with my annual trip to Wakodahatchee Wetlands to observe dozens of nests bursting with new life. It’s such a thrill each year to gather with other photographers on the boardwalk to watch these juvenile wading birds learn how to stretch their wings and fly. With a toddler of my own at home, this annual ritual has begun to feel even more personal and special, and often results in some of my favorite photos of the year. 

Meanwhile, our policy team pushed Florida lawmakers to adopt the strongest version of the State Park Preservation Act during the annual legislative session. Together, our team enjoyed a few hikes in Jonathan Dickinson State Park and celebrated a legislative win!

Then, everything changed. When we got wind of plans for a detention center in the heart of the Everglades, our focus shifted to what’s become a landmark lawsuit and court battle against “Alligator Alcatraz.” Day and night, we educated the public on the harm this prison posed for our beloved Everglades, including endangered species like the Florida Panther. The work has been tireless, but we continue to draw on the legacy of our founder, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, who formed Friends of the Everglades fifty-six years ago during a battle to protect the very same piece of land the detention center now occupies.

Autumn brought some respite from the intense summer fight and a calm sunrise shoot at Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area brought me back to my camera. Communications Director Allie Hartmann and I achieved a bucket list item – seeing Southeastern Sunflowers in bloom at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary! And an October wet walk through Big Cypress with our special Marjory’s Circle donors grounded us all.

The increasing threats to the Everglades only exemplify the importance of their wild places. These dangers have also revealed to us the power of relationships and banding together to stop the harm. One of the most meaningful relationships formed has been with iconic Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher and his family. Producing a video from an exclusive interview with Clyde will go down as a personal career highlight.

There were countless highs and lows in 2025 — moments that challenged us, inspired us, and reminded us why this work matters. As we look ahead, we’re energized by what’s next. In the new year, we’ll debut an exciting video series with our Friend and former WPTV anchor, Michael Williams, who will take viewers on a journey through the Everglades in support of our Rescue the River of Grass campaign. We’ll also be back in court fighting “Alligator Alcatraz” and keeping our supporters informed every step of the way. And personally, I’ll be savoring every moment I can in the Everglades, channeling my inner Clyde Butcher and sharing the very best of what I see with you.

Thank you for coming along for the ride.

Happy trails,

Leah Voss

Friends of the Everglades Multimedia Producer